Serge Ibaka reaches agreement on four-year extension with Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka has reached agreement on a four-year, $48 million contract extension, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Ibaka, 22, could’ve been a restricted free agent next summer, and his deal now locks into place three of the Thunder’s core young stars --- Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Ibaka. Durant and Westbrook each have the maximum contracts allowed under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.

This deal leaves the future uncertain for guard James Harden, who could command a maximum contract on the league market as a restricted free agent next summer. Along with the remainder of Kendrick Perkins' three years and $27 million, the small-market Thunder will be hard-pressed to invest so much money into their payroll.

In his third NBA season in 2011-’12, Ibaka averaged 9.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game. He’s one of the league’s best rim protectors, and been rapidly developing his offensive game. Ibaka was a key player on Spain’s silver-medal-winning Olympic team this month in London.

I think Ibaka is already one of the best PFs in the nba and he should get better, improving his offense and rebounding. 12 million a year right now looks fair for what he does, especially for what he means to the OKC team, but it could become a bargain if he becomes an allround player.

I do think OKC FO will find it difficult to keep Harden, as he will also be able to get a maximum contract from other teams. They'll have little money to fill out the rest of the roster if that happens.

No way, some team would have definately given Ibaka even more than 12 million a year, most teams would actually. Ibaka is already a valuable part of the thunder, I'd say third most valuable after Westbrook and Durant. I also think they'll keep Harden, they have to to continue being a contender.

Ibaka will only improve and imagine if he adds a good offensive game, he'll be one of the best players in the league, like Dwight.